We caught up with showmanship judge Glen Alan Phillips before he steps “Inside the Ring” at the Kansas State Fair. We invite you to read our candid interview with Glen below and please continue to check back often for our next edition of “Inside the Ring – Showmanship Edition.”
WHO GOT YOU INVOLVED IN THE LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY AND HOW?
My father was an Agriculture Science Teacher and I was with my dad all the time prior to starting kindergarten. I remember vividly going to sales, shows, and on project checks with him. The passion for livestock and livestock shows began at that point.
WHAT IS A PET PEEVE YOU HAVE IN SHOWMANSHIP?
Probably the biggest pet peeve I have is when an exhibitor goes through all the motions and has been trained to stand a certain way, or be on a certain side, or have their hands a certain way — all of which are correct, but the animal doesn’t look their best. I would prefer an exhibitor adjust their body posture or whatever the animal needs to make it look its best. I don’t believe that all animals can be shown the same way to achieve the best look that animal can give.
ARE YOU A FIRST IMPRESSION JUDGE?
First impression — I coached collegiate livestock judging teams for 6 years and believe in what Jim Jenkins taught me at South Plains College — Study Long — Study Wrong!!
FAVORITE TYPE OF FOOD?
Peanut Butter — on everything!
DREAM VACATION?
Like most stock show families, vacations have been few and far between. The past 2 years we have enjoyed going to Ruidoso, NM and spending time in the mountains and hitting the horse races.
COLLEGE OR PROFESSIONAL SPORTS?
College Sports — any sport that my Texas A&M Aggies are participating in.
FAVORITE SHOW YOU HAVE JUDGED?
Kansas State Fair years ago. I was judging the lamb show and two industry icons were judging the hogs and steers respectively. Steve Nichols and Randy Daniels. I had hired both of them through years to judge and after the Grand Drive, we went to the hotel and watched Ohio State play Texas. They were ranked 1st & 2nd in the nation. Stock Shows are about relationships and I will cherish that night watching football with two gentleman that I have the world of respect for.
